Uttarakhand CM Dhami urges people to vote in Panchayat elections

As the first phase of the three-tier Panchayat elections began in Uttarakhand on Thursday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called upon citizens to participate in large numbers and choose dedicated local representatives.

In a message shared on social media platform X, CM Dhami emphasized the importance of voting in strengthening grassroots democracy.

“Empowered Panchayats, Empowered Uttarakhand. Today, the first phase of voting for the three-tier panchayat elections is taking place. I appeal to all the divine people of the state to reach the polling stations in large numbers and exercise their voting rights. With your vote, choose capable, aware, and dedicated representatives who will strongly raise your voice and strengthen the foundation of rural development. Your single vote is an important step towards a robust Panchayati Raj system,” the Chief Minister posted.

सशक्त पंचायतें, सशक्त उत्तराखंड

आज त्रि-स्तरीय पंचायत चुनाव के प्रथम चरण का मतदान हो रहा है। प्रदेश की समस्त देवतुल्य जनता से अपील है कि अधिक से अधिक संख्या में मतदान केंद्र पहुंचें और अपने मताधिकार का प्रयोग करें।

अपने मत से ऐसे योग्य, जागरूक और जनसेवा के प्रति समर्पित…

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) July 24, 2025

According to a notification from the Uttarakhand State Election Commission, Panchayat elections are being conducted in two phases across 12 districts, excluding Haridwar. The second phase of voting is scheduled for July 28, and counting will take place on July 31.

The announcement follows the Nainital High Court’s decision to lift its earlier stay on the election process issued on June 23. The court’s approval, granted on July 19, cleared the way for the continuation of the electoral process.

Earlier on July 23, CM Dhami welcomed the transfer of ₹1,600 crore by the Uttar Pradesh government as Uttarakhand’s pension share for the financial years 2021–22 and 2022–23. In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, he expressed gratitude to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and noted that improved coordination between the two states is facilitating the resolution of longstanding issues related to assets and liabilities.